Biomethane producer VIDA bioenergy has equipped workers at its Wormslade facility in the UK with connected gas detectors that combine personal gas monitoring, lone-worker protection and emergency communications.
The company has selected G8 portable gas detectors from Blackline Safety to help manage occupational hazards associated with biogas production, including exposure to toxic and combustible gases, confined-space entry and lone working.
Anaerobic digestion facilities present a range of safety challenges. Hydrogen sulphide can pose a serious toxic exposure risk, while methane leaks create potential fire and explosion hazards. Carbon dioxide accumulation and oxygen-deficient atmospheres can also be dangerous, particularly in enclosed spaces and during maintenance operations.
The G8 devices allow workers to monitor multiple gases simultaneously while providing automatic alerts in the event of a fall, prolonged inactivity or missed check-in. Emergency SOS functions, GPS/GNSS location tracking and cellular connectivity allow colleagues or remote monitoring personnel to identify and respond to incidents.
The detectors also incorporate push-to-talk communications, reducing the need for workers to carry separate radios. According to Blackline, the equipment can be bump tested and calibrated on site without Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity, while interchangeable pump cartridges support gas sampling ahead of confined-space entry.
Dr Gary Cartwright, plant manager at VIDA bioenergy, said the decision reflected the range of hazards encountered at the site and the benefits of consolidating several safety functions in one device.
“Our goal is to not only ensure that our employees enjoy their work, but that they go home safe,” he said.
The equipment is supported by Blackline’s cloud-based analytics platform, which allows the operator to review gas exposure records and identify recurring hazards or operational trends.
The Wormslade facility processes organic material to produce biomethane, biogenic CO₂ and organic fertiliser. VIDA bioenergy operates in the UK and Netherlands.
The deployment illustrates how connected personal monitoring systems can help manage the combined risks of gas exposure, confined-space entry and lone working in biogas production.
